Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As regards the rationale for the refusals I discussed with Senator O'Keeffe, they were all refused on the basis of advice we received from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. As regards the nature of cargo aircraft, we would expect that the majority of them would be civil. I would have responsibility for them and my answers would apply thereto.

I touched on the inspection regimes earlier but as the Deputy was not here I will run through it quickly again. Article 16 of the Chicago Convention, which I referred to in my opening contribution, allows for the inspection of aircraft from other states. Authorised officers of the Minister or the Irish Aviation Authority do have the usual powers of inspection of all aircraft in Ireland for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the Air Navigation and Transportation Act.

As regards the nature of assurances we have received, I also went through this matter earlier. We have sought assurances from the US authorities, in particular, which is bringing civil aircraft through our State, that they are not doing anything that is not in compliance with Irish law. They have given us those assurances.